Launch Automation Engineer

Astra • Alameda, CA

5h • $130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

As a Senior Launch Automation Engineer, you will own the algorithms that automatically load and launch our rockets. You'll model the fluid and pneumatic systems that fuel and pressurize our vehicles, develop the automation sequences that execute countdown, and build the simulations that let us validate operations before they run on hardware. Your work directly enables every launch.

Requirements

• You have 5+ years of experience modeling and controlling physical systems, particularly fluid and thermal systems
• You have an advanced degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, or equivalent
• You have strong experience with MATLAB/Simulink and Simscape for physical system modeling
• You understand fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and process control theory — you're comfortable with mass/energy balances, two-phase flow, and control loop design
• You possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate ideas, give technical feedback, and mentor team members
• You're excited to work in a fast-paced, self-driven, iterative startup environment, and to build the systems that enable daily launches to space

Nice To Haves

• Experience modeling and controlling fluidic systems, including cryogenics and two-phase flow
• Background in chemical engineering, process engineering, or propulsion systems
• Experience with launch vehicle ground support equipment or propulsion test stands
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop simulation and real-time system integration
• Verification via unit tests, SIL/HIL, and Monte Carlo simulation is second nature
• Experience with hazardous fluid systems, high-pressure gas, or propellant handling operations

Responsibilities

• Model: Develop high-fidelity simulations of cryogenic, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems — including propellant loading, tank pressurization, and two-phase flow dynamics
• Automate: Create the algorithms and control sequences that execute launch operations from propellant conditioning through terminal count and liftoff
• Test: Build out test automation across all environments, including Simulink simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and CI/CD pipelines
• Partner: Work with propulsion, avionics, and GNC teams to define critical interfaces, specify component and system requirements, and contribute to decisions that shape future launch systems
• Launch: Support countdown operations from mission control, monitoring fluid systems and responding to anomalies in real time
• Analyze: Use ground test and launch data to identify system behavior, validate models, and improve simulation fidelity
• Ownership: End-to-end responsibility for large aspects of the launch automation system

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees